Maryland Food Bank Statement on SNAP Funding Suspension During Government Shutdown

With federal SNAP benefits expected to stop on November 1, the Maryland Food Bank outlines the potential impact on families and how the community can help.

Dear neighbors,

The ongoing federal government shutdown means that this week, many families will enter a new era of uncertainty and stress.

At the Maryland Food Bank, we were already concerned about the impact of the shutdown on federal workers and active-duty military. Now, USDA has communicated the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be funded starting Nov. 1, just a few days away. This program helps bridge the gap in accessing nutritious food for more than 680,000 of our neighbors, many of whom are working but do not earn enough to make ends meet.

Food banks were already meeting high demand, and the SNAP stoppage will have an immediate impact on even more Marylanders. The Maryland Food Bank has served communities for more than 45 years, and we will continue to do everything we can to support our neighbors. In the immediate term, we will make more food and financial resources available to our statewide network so they can reach the increased number of people seeking food assistance.

But the truth is, food banks cannot match the scale or scope of SNAP. To fill even a portion of the gap created by the SNAP stoppage, we’d need to quadruple the amount of food we currently distribute—an impossible task.

Hunger is the result of our historical systems and today’s policies, and it’s something we can change. We call on our leaders to act, so that people can get the food they need to thrive.

We are grateful to the hundreds of people who have stepped up to help in just the last few weeks. If you can support your neighbor during this crucial time, please consider a donation. Just $1 helps to buy one meal. I also encourage you to reach out to the food pantries in your community to see what support they may need. If you or someone you know needs food assistance, we are here to help. Visit our website to find a nearby food pantry, or call us at (410) 737-8282 to talk to a volunteer who can connect you with food today.

If my 13 years with the Maryland Food Bank has taught me anything, it’s that together, we are strong. Thank you for fighting for a food-secure Maryland.

Sincerely,
Meg Kimmel
President & CEO, Maryland Food Bank